Time has come for me to ask for prayer for the "illness" that I hinted at in my last post.Mr. Squirrel has been fighting a persistent deep, nagging, dry cough that has plagued him since before Christmas... and has forced him off the work schedule for going on his fourth week. There has been no fever at any time and chest x-rays are clear (thank God) and white cell count is only a teeny-tiny-bit above normal. So, we know he's fighting something.
Returning to the 'Now Care' (in the local mall) about once per week, Mr. Squirrel has endured a couple series of different antibiotics, steroids, mega-cough suppressants and pain killers for the sore ribs and muscle strains. There does seem to be some small improvements (sleeping a little better at night and coughing less, plus the cough is more 'productive'), but when a coughing fit hits again... then I wonder and pray while keeping myself ready to help (rather than the panic I was prone to for the first few weeks).
This whole scenario would not be a prayer request if it was "just a cough". This cough comes with a rather random strike of dizziness to the point of blacking out, occurring only after the coughing spell (like low blood pressure). I'm pleased to say that he hasn't completely blacked out in a couple of days (also an improvement), but the dizziness persists in varying degrees. As a driver, this is why he cannot work. I believe he will have completed all of his prescribed medications this coming Monday or Tuesday. Monday, Mr. Squirrel will be contacting his general physician to see what more can be done, if anything. [The kind of care at a 'Now Care' is rather like a vending machine - very generic and helpful if you have "normal issues" that respond to "normal treatments".]
Here is the cross-roads that approaches us: If he is healthy enough to return to work, he needs a referral from his general physician to a neurologist before his employer will let him come back. [Note & blessing: His job is being held for him, though his shift will most likely be lost.] If he is not healthy enough to return to work, then the options seem to lead into more specialized testing and/or more drastic measures.
There is still hope that his body may rally so he get back on his feet, but there are signs that indicate that the battle may continue for quite some time. The prayer I most ask for is a solution to this issue and God's mercy that it be found quickly and inexpensively so Mr. Squirrel can regain his strength and return to productive life again... (and so I can get some sleep). Thanks much!
Starting January 26th - Please see comments for updates.
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God Bless & Godspeed
10 comments:
OK. Step #1 - Appointment is scheduled for Tuesday morning.
I'm also happy to report that Mr. Squirrel had a pretty good day yesterday though his stamina is still low and gets exhausted pretty quickly. But Sunday morning he actually FELT GOOD. The first time in a very long time.
Praises!
Praying :0)
Julie
Thanks for the prayers!
Step #2 - The office visit.
I must say that I really do like Mr. Squirrel's general doctor. It's been a long time since I've encountered an old-fashioned "country" doctor! Such a refreshing change :)
[Although the migraine reaction to an office that uses fragrance to subdue the smell of cigarette smokers was a bumpy hill to crawl over.]
The current path of treatment: No more antibiotics, no more steroids. The goal is now to get the cough suppressed so the tissues can heal. [Pain meds + OTC cough syrup.] This is the first doctor to identify the circle of a hypersensitive cough reflex irritating the tissues which irritates the cough reflex. Go figure!
We also got a elegantly simple yet specific note for Mr. Squirrel's employer that says: The cough is the cause of the dizziness and there is no seisure disorder.
It is my hope that this will be enough to derail the need for a neurological exam.
We'll have to see... But it feels like a little sunshine may be coming into this situation. :)
Seems like a big fit of coughing would deprive you of oxygen and make you dizzy. But I'm no medic.
Thank God for GP's!
Julie
Actually, that is pretty close to my understanding of what happens. I've also heard some allergist information that says there is a constriction of the blood vessels in the lungs, too. But either way, when you can't breathe and/or the blood oxygen isn't getting to the brain...
The system says: REBOOT.
We've noticed that if he's not coughing that he does really well. So, this new plan of attack should (hope & pray) give his body a chance to heal and desensitize that cough reflex. "Break the chain" so to speak.
We're both so ready for this battle to be over. And, honestly, it's a good feeling to believe that we may have just called in a new 'general' to lead the troops to victory! :D
That "reboot" comment got my brain to musing:
Wouldn't it be nifty if we all had a "SYSTEM RESTORE" option for our bodies?
Step #3: The employer has the new doctor's note and has requested a meeting with Mr. Squirrel next Monday morning.
Although my imagination finds this to be rather an 'ominous' appointment, there is no indication of what this meeting will discuss, and we still do not know if the employer is going to push for a neurological exam.
I guess holding patterns can be times of testing, too, as I have to remember that this whole situation is in God's hands - there are no surprises to Him and His plan is perfect in form, purpose & timing.
Well... it looks like the boss wants to meet with Mr. Squirrel on Wednesday morning instead.
Same day as my neurology appointment, but mine is in the late afternoon.
I imagine it could be a long day... but I hope it's a positive one.
First hurdle is behind us as contact was finally made! Mr. Squirrel didn't bother to tell me that his meeting had been rescheduled to NOON because the boss was swamped. [Bad hubby - no biscuit - but I forgive you.]
Praises to share: He still has a job, but the boss wants the cough COMPLETELY GONE before he is allowed to come back to work. His shift is definitely gone, but the boss said they were planning to put on extra shifts in the future, so something should be available for him. Whew!
Now for the second hurdle...
Second hurdle completed, too... but it brings to mind enough things for it's own entry...
To be continued ;)
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